Disclaimer: There are wild plants and fungi in the UK that are poisonous. Do not eat any wild edible that has not been positively identified. All edible mushrooms must be cooked. Do not use this site as your only source of information. Check the law before picking any wild plant. Nothing on this site is meant to encourage you to break any laws.

ElderflowerSambucus nigra

Photo by Martin Röll

Elder is a common plant throughout the UK. It has been used historically for medicinal purposes in eye lotions and skin ointments. It is believed to have been tied to the mane of horses in order to keep flies away.

Where to find it:

Woods

Commons

Hedges

Wasteland

Appearance:

Up to 10m tall

Small black-reddish berries

Dark green leaves

To eat:

The flowers should be snipped off in clusters. These flowers can be consumed raw. These flowers can also be used to make sparkling wine.

When a cluster of berries are ripe, it will begin to turn upside down. These berries can then be added to pies or jams.

Wild roseRosa canina

Photo by Roberta F.

‘Rosa caninina’ means ‘dog rose’. It has many medicinal uses and was used frequently in heraldry.

Where to find it:

Hedges

Scrub land

Appearance:

Hooked thorns

Toothed leaves

Large white/pink five petaled flowers

To eat:

The flowers can be picked and used in salads. They can also be used to make wine, jelly and jam.

Wild strawberryFragaria vesca

Photo by Ivar Leidus

Wild strawberries have been enjoyed by our ancestors for thousands of years. They have a stronger flavour than the garden variety but are smaller in size.

Where to find it:

Trails

Woodland

Hedgerows

Grassy banks

Among bracken

Appearance:

White five petaled flowers

Red berries with seeds visible

To eat:

Ripe when red, strawberries can be washed and eaten raw. Can be added to a fruit salad or sugared.

Fairy-Ring ChampignonMarasmius oreades

Photo by Strobilomyces

Fairy-Ring Champignon gets its name from the ‘fairy rings’ it grows in. It is very common and often found growing on lawns. Its culinary use is popular due to its sweet taste. Caution must be taken to distinguish Fairy-Ring Champignon from the poisonous Clitocybe species. Clitocybes are distinguishable by their lack of an ‘umbo’, which is a raised point in the middle of the cap.

Where to find it:

Lawns

Grassland

Appearance:

2-5cm cap

Bump in centre of cap

Pale tan colour

Wide gills

To eat:

Add to stews or casseroles. Caps can be preserved by drying them out, then soaked in water to reconstitute them.

Stinging nettleUrtica dioica

by Uwe H. Friese, Bremerhaven 2003

Stinging nettles have historically been used as food, medicine and used to make fibre. Its high in protein and iron and its taste is similar to spinach. ‘Urtica’ is derived from the Latin word for sting, whilst ‘Dioica’ is derived from Greek, meaning ‘of two homes’.

Where to find it:

Hedge banks

Field edges

Woodland

Wasteland

Appearance:

Heart shaped leaves

Covered in stinging hairs

To eat:

During and after its flowering stage, nettles can form crystalline particles called cystoliths. These cystoliths can taste bitter, and can also irritate the urinary tract. For this reason it’s best to harvest nettles when young, particularly during late February to early June. Nettles can be wilted over a fire and consumed like marshmallows. They can be added to soups or its leaves can be dried and strained to make tea.

Sea beetBeta vulgaris

Photo by Maneerke Bloem

Sea beet is a plant found around the coastline of most of the UK. It is an ancestor of beetroot, and can be used in the same way. Its leaves can be eaten raw and are said to taste and have a texture similar to spinach.

Where to find it:

Coastlines

Shingle

Cliffs

Appearance:

Large fleshy leaves

Green spiky flowers along the stem

Up to 1m tall

To eat:

Smaller leaves can be used in salads. Larger leaves should be boiled until they turn dark green.

]]>Layering clotheshttp://travel-light.net/layering-clothes/
Sat, 26 May 2018 16:06:53 +0000http://travel-light.net/?p=156Bringing the appropriate clothing to cope with the often dramatic changes in weather and temperature we encounter in the great outdoors can be difficult. A hot summer day can be followed by plummeting temperatures at night. Thunderstorms and rain can catch us off-guard. Shivering in the cold air can quickly turn to sweating after a period of sustained activity. Being prepared for these changes will keep you comfortable and conserve energy. In extreme cases, dressing appropriately might even mean the difference between life and death. In this article, we aim to teach you how to choose what to wear for all conditions.

What’s wrong with normal clothes?

The clothes we wear in day to day life, such as jeans and t-shirts are often made of materials that are inefficient at insulating, cooling and wicking sweat away from the body. You might have encountered the moniker ‘cotton kills’. Cotton (which most t-shirts are made out of) soaks up moisture. This moisture is then held next to the body and will keep you cold for longer as it slowly evaporates. Cotton is also a poor insulator when dry. Denim is similarly inefficient. In contrast, clothes designed for the outdoors wick moisture away from the body whilst keeping you insulated.

Layering

In order to withstand these changes in conditions and temperature, the solution is to wear layers of clothing. These layers trap air between them and work together to keep you at the optimal temperature. They can then be added and removed according to the conditions faced. These layering system is divided into three layers. These are the base layer, mid layer and outer layer.

Base layer

The base layer is the first layer of clothing. Comprised of the clothes that sit next to the skin, its purpose should be to wick moisture away from the skin. The base layer typically includes:

Thermal/polyester underwear

Thermal/polyester top

Thermal trousers

Socks

This layer makes a huge difference to your ability to stay warm. These items of clothing are often made of synthetic materials such as polyester. These materials wick sweat away from the body. This keeps the clothing dry and therefore far more effective at insulating. Polyester or synthetic tops and bottoms are normally available in long sleeved, short sleeved, full length trousers and a shorts variety. Choose the type that’s most appropriate for any expected temperatures.

Mid layer

The purpose of the mid layer is to insulate. By trapping warm air between the mid layer and base layer, your body will stay warm and conserve energy. The mid layer is comprised of:

Jacket/top

Trousers

Gloves

Hat

Traditionally, wool was a popular choice for this layer. The downsides of wool are that it becomes heavy when wet and can take a long time to dry out. Synthetic materials have eclipsed wool as they offer cheaper, more efficient alternatives that stay warm whilst damp and dry quickly. Fleeces, jackets and tops are available in a variety of styles and different ‘weights’ which offer a different level of insulation. Trousers are available that can be zipped off to become shorts, which are excellent for dealing with the heat. A hat and gloves can make a huge difference in retaining heat and can easily be removed when it gets too hot.

Outer layer

The outer layer should protect you from rain and wind. This layer is essentially waterproof clothing such as:

Waterproof jacket

Waterproof trousers

Gaiters

This clothing should keep water out whilst simultaneously letting moisture from the body escape. Lightweight waterproof jackets will keep you dry and can easily be rolled up and stowed away without taking up too much room. A hood is also essential to keep your head dry. Waterproof trousers are often overlooked, but prove incredibly valuable on multi-day trips. Once regular trousers become saturated they can be difficult to get dry and, assuming you can swap them for a second pair, are a pain to carry with you when they are wet and heavy. Waterproof trousers can save you this trouble easily. Like lightweight waterproof jackets, waterproof trousers can also be rolled up and stored without taking up too much room. Even when it hasn’t rained, grass collects dew and will quickly dampen your trousers and boots if its long. Gaiters offer a compromise that keeps your lower legs dry while leaving your upper legs breathable.

Conclusion

The layering system allows you greater control over your clothing. This ability to adjust your clothing and thus temperature is key to remaining comfortable and safe. The science behind synthetic materials has come a long way, and clothes made from such materials can go a long way in regulating your body temperature. By using the layering system you shouldn’t have any trouble putting together a simple wardrobe to withstand anything.

]]>Choosing a campsitehttp://travel-light.net/choosing-a-campsite/
Thu, 24 May 2018 20:32:09 +0000http://travel-light.net/?p=148The difference between a carefully chosen campsite and a poorly chosen one can mean the difference between a comfortable nights sleep and a miserable one. In this article we hope to provide tips that will prove useful when you’re out and about. Here’s what you should consider:

Surface

A relatively flat surface is mandatory when pitching a tent. Slopes are to be avoided for obvious reasons, but also be weary of bumpy ground that will cause discomfort. Avoiding boggy or damp ground will mitigate condensation on the inside of your tent. The ideal surfaces are dry earth, grass or pine needles. clear away any sticks and stones that might poke into you through the bottom of your tent. If you have to pitch your tent on a slight slope, sleep perpendicular to the slope so you don’t roll to one side of the tent.

Location

There are lots of things to take into account when selecting a location. Having a potable water source should be one of your first considerations. While camping right next to water can be tempting, it can contribute to condensation (read our full article on minimizing condensation here) and leave you open to midges or potentially dangerous wildlife that use that water source. On the other hand, being near water can allow you to replenish water and wash any pots and pans you might have. A good compromise is to camp around 200m away from a water source, that way it remains within walking distance without the negative side affects.

It’s preferable to camp on higher ground where air is warmer and a breeze can pass through your tent. Cooler air will pool in lower ground like gulleys which can result in damp ground.

Camping under a tree canopy will keep the temperature warmer and provide drier ground. Conversely in summer the shade a tree provides might be desirable to keep you cool during the day. Be careful of any dead branches above you as they might fall on you. Lone trees might also attract lightning strikes in a storm. If you’re camping in a forest, check there are no standing dead trees nearby.

If there are strong winds, try utilizing natural features like raised ground as a windbreak.

Fire

If you plan on building a fire, survey your surroundings for any potential fire hazards. These can range from dry leaves to dead wood. Move any hazards to a safe distance, situate your camp elsewhere, or use them as fuel. Always remember to ask for permission and abide by local laws when starting fires.

Wildlife hazards

Depending on where you are in the world, you might have to take into consideration the potential for encountering dangerous animals. Most animals will leave you alone, but if you accidentally disturb them by pitching your tent in the wrong place, they might not take it very well. In order to minimize any chance of annoying an animal, don’t pitch your tent on or too close to what looks like a trail, animals use these highways to travel. Check for any rocks or fallen trees that might be home to snakes or other critters. Avoid anything that looks like a den and stay away from caves. As mentioned before, don’t camp too close to a water source. If you’re wearing shorts, avoid long grass as it can be home to ticks.

Leave no trace

Always clean up after yourself when its time to leave. If you’re on grass, try not to pitch your tent in the same place 2 nights in a row as it can kill the grass. Make sure any fires you made are fully extinguished and covered over with dirt. Do your best not to disturb any local wildlife.

Scenery and surroundings

Most of us go camping because we enjoy it, and part of that enjoyment involves the views, nature and wildlife. So find yourself a nice vista to enjoy, or a place where you can wake up to the sound of birds in the morning…

]]>May: Wild edibleshttp://travel-light.net/may-wild-edibles/
Mon, 30 Apr 2018 20:31:54 +0000http://travel-light.net/?p=139This is a list of wild foods that can be foraged in the UK during May.

Disclaimer: There are wild plants and fungi in the UK that are poisonous. Do not eat any wild edible that has not been positively identified. All edible mushrooms must be cooked. Do not use this site as your only source of information. Check the law before picking any wild plant. Nothing on this site is meant to encourage you to break any laws.

DandelionTaraxacum officinale

Photo by Greg Hume

This common weed is familiar to everyone. Found throughout gardens and fields, Dandelion has historically been used to treat infections and also used as a diuretic. Dandelion leaves are high in vitamin C, iron and calcium and can be consumed in a number of ways.

Where to find it:

Gardens

Fields

Road sides

Appearance:

Yellow flower

Hollow stems

Long toothed leaves

To eat:

Dandelion leaves can be used in sandwiches and salads. The roots can also be cooked and eaten after being washed thoroughly.

Fairy-Ring ChampignonMarasmius oreades

Photo by Strobilomyces

Fairy-Ring Champignon gets its name from the ‘fairy rings’ it grows in. It is very common and often found growing on lawns. Its culinary use is popular due to its sweet taste. Caution must be taken to distinguish Fairy-Ring Champignon from the poisonous Clitocybe species. Clitocybes are distinguishable by their lack of an ‘umbo’, which is a raised point in the middle of the cap.

Where to find it:

Lawns

Grassland

Appearance:

2-5cm cap

Bump in centre of cap

Pale tan colour

Wide gills

To eat:

Add to stews or casseroles. Caps can be preserved by drying them out, then soaked in water to reconstitute them.

Stinging nettleUrtica dioica

by Uwe H. Friese, Bremerhaven 2003

Stinging nettles have historically been used as food, medicine and used to make fibre. Its high in protein and iron and its taste is similar to spinach. ‘Urtica’ is derived from the Latin word for sting, whilst ‘Dioica’ is derived from Greek, meaning ‘of two homes’.

Where to find it:

Hedge banks

Field edges

Woodland

Wasteland

Appearance:

Heart shaped leaves

Covered in stinging hairs

To eat:

During and after its flowering stage, nettles can form crystalline particles called cystoliths. These cystoliths can taste bitter, and can also irritate the urinary tract. For this reason it’s best to harvest nettles when young, particularly during late February to early June. Nettles can be wilted over a fire and consumed like marshmallows. They can be added to soups or its leaves can be dried and strained to make tea.

HopHumulus lupulus

Photo by Hagen Graebner

Hop is best known for its use in the brewing of beer. The name ‘Hop’ is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Hoppan’, which means to climb. This is indicative of the plants climbing nature. ‘Lupulus’ is Latin for small wolf. This name is owed to Hop’s tendency to strangle and kill other plants like a wolf kills sheep.

Where to find it:

Hedge rows

Scrub land

Woodland edges

Appearance:

Cone shaped fruits

Toothed leaves, 3-5 lobes

To eat:

Shoots should be picked when young. These shoots can be chopped and added to soups and omelettes.

Sea beetBeta vulgaris

Photo by Maneerke Bloem

Sea beet is a plant found around the coastline of most of the UK. It is an ancestor of beetroot, and can be used in the same way. Its leaves can be eaten raw and are said to taste and have a texture similar to spinach.

Where to find it:

Coastlines

Shingle

Cliffs

Appearance:

Large fleshy leaves

Green spiky flowers along the stem

Up to 1m tall

To eat:

Smaller leaves can be used in salads. Larger leaves should be boiled until they turn dark green.

Sweet VioletViola Odorata

Photo by Kjetil Lenes

Sweet Violet’s pleasant fragrance has led to its inclusion in the ingredients of perfumes. Some believe Sweet Violet to have medicinal qualities relating to skin disorders and respiratory issues. It was historically used decoratively to dress meat

Where to find it:

Woodland edges

Gardens

Hedge banks

Appearance:

Violet or white flowers

Rounded leaves

To eat:

Leaves can be used in salads. The flowers are also edible and were historically used to dress meat, favoured for their decorative qualities.

]]>April: Wild edibleshttp://travel-light.net/april-wild-edibles/
Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:17:36 +0000http://travel-light.net/?p=124This is a list of wild foods that can be foraged in the UK during April.

Disclaimer: There are wild plants and fungi in the UK that are poisonous. Do not eat any wild edible that has not been positively identified. All edible mushrooms must be cooked. Do not use this site as your only source of information. Check the law before picking any wild plant. Nothing on this site is meant to encourage you to break any laws.

HopHumulus lupulus

Photo by Hagen Graebner

Hop is best known for its use in the brewing of beer. The name ‘Hop’ is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Hoppan’, which means to climb. This is indicative of the plants climbing nature. ‘Lupulus’ is Latin for small wolf. This name is owed to Hop’s tendency to strangle and kill other plants like a wolf kills sheep.

Where to find it:

Hedge rows

Scrub land

Woodland edges

Appearance:

Cone shaped fruits

Toothed leaves, 3-5 lobes

To eat:

Shoots should be picked when young. These shoots can be chopped and added to soups and omelettes.

DandelionTaraxacum officinale

Photo by Greg Hume

This common weed is familiar to everyone. Found throughout gardens and fields, Dandelion has historically been used to treat infections and also used as a diuretic. Dandelion leaves are high in vitamin C, iron and calcium and can be consumed in a number of ways.

Where to find it:

Gardens

Fields

Road sides

Appearance:

Yellow flower

Hollow stems

Long toothed leaves

To eat:

Dandelion leaves can be used in sandwiches and salads. The roots can also be cooked and eaten after being washed thoroughly.

HawthornCrataegus monogyna

Photo by Elstro

This common red berried plant was historically used to separate fields. ‘Haw’ hails from the old English for hedge. It is believed to remedy cardiovascular issues. Its young leaves and flowers grow during Spring whilst its berries grow during Autumn.

Where to find it:

Woods

Heaths

Hedge rows

Appearance:

White blossom flowers

Red berries

Thorned branches and stems

To eat:

Young leaves can be eaten raw and have a nutty flavour. This makes them go well with nuts and salads. Berries can be used to make jellies by simmering them alongside crab apples to separate the juices.

BistortPolygonum bistoria

Photo by Hans Hillewaert

This herbaceous perennial may be more familiar under names such as Passion Dock or Easter Mangiant. Both of these names indicate the time of year it came into use. Passion Dock referring to Passion tide, and Easter Mangiant to Easter. ‘Passion’ and ‘Easter’ being relevant to its inclusion in Easter puddings in parts of northern England. Its genus ‘Polygonum’ hails from Greek meaning ‘many joints’ in reference to its multi jointed stem, while ‘Bistort’ refers to its twisted roots. Bistort roots are used in medicines to help with digestion and inflammation.

Where to find it:

Stream banks

Road sides

Damp areas

Mountains

Appearance:

Up to 70cm tall

Jointed stalk

Hairless stem

Raceme of small pink flowers

To eat:

Young leaves can be used in salads and are a good source of vitamin A and C. For use in Easter pudding, chop and add young leaves to a mixture of other leaves such as nettles, dock or dandelion. Oatmeal is added for binding as well as beaten egg. Other eggs can be hard boiled and chopped. Salt and pepper is added to flavour.

Stinging nettleUrtica dioica

by Uwe H. Friese, Bremerhaven 2003

Stinging nettles have historically been used as food, medicine and used to make fibre. Its high in protein and iron and its taste is similar to spinach. ‘Urtica’ is derived from the Latin word for sting, whilst ‘Dioica’ is derived from Greek, meaning ‘of two homes’.

Where to find it:

Hedge banks

Field edges

Woodland

Wasteland

Appearance:

Heart shaped leaves

Covered in stinging hairs

To eat:

During and after its flowering stage, nettles can form crystalline particles called cystoliths. These cystoliths can taste bitter, and can also irritate the urinary tract. For this reason it’s best to harvest nettles when young, particularly during late February to early June. Nettles can be wilted over a fire and consumed like marshmallows. They can be added to soups or its leaves can be dried and strained to make tea.

Fairy-Ring ChampignonMarasmius oreades

Photo by Strobilomyces

Fairy-Ring Champignon gets its name from the ‘fairy rings’ it grows in. It is very common and often found growing on lawns. Its culinary use is popular due to its sweet taste. Caution must be taken to distinguish Fairy-Ring Champignon from the poisonous Clitocybe species. Clitocybes are distinguishable by their lack of an ‘umbo’, which is a raised point in the middle of the cap.

Where to find it:

Lawns

Grassland

Appearance:

2-5cm cap

Bump in centre of cap

Pale tan colour

Wide gills

To eat:

Add to stews or casseroles. Caps can be preserved by drying them out, then soaked in water to reconstitute them.

Sea beetBeta vulgaris

Photo by Maneerke Bloem

Sea beet is a plant found around the coastline of most of the UK. It is an ancestor of beetroot, and can be used in the same way. Its leaves can be eaten raw and are said to taste and have a texture similar to spinach.

Where to find it:

Coastlines

Shingle

Cliffs

Appearance:

Large fleshy leaves

Green spiky flowers along the stem

Up to 1m tall

To eat:

Smaller leaves can be used in salads. Larger leaves should be boiled until they turn dark green.

Sweet VioletViola Odorata

Photo by Kjetil Lenes

Sweet Violet’s pleasant fragrance has led to its inclusion in the ingredients of perfumes. Some believe Sweet Violet to have medicinal qualities relating to skin disorders and respiratory issues. It was historically used decoratively to dress meat

Where to find it:

Woodland edges

Gardens

Hedge banks

Appearance:

Violet or white flowers

Rounded leaves

To eat:

Leaves can be used in salads. The flowers are also edible and were historically used to dress meat, favoured for their decorative qualities.

]]>How to minimize tent condensationhttp://travel-light.net/how-to-minimize-tent-condensation/
Fri, 23 Mar 2018 16:49:48 +0000http://travel-light.net/?p=118Condensation is a common problem when camping in a tent. Condensation occurs when water vapor condenses onto a surface such as the walls of your tent. Having the walls of your tent drip with water can be an uncomfortable nuisance. Condensation can make your tent not feel like much of a shelter at all and make camping a miserable experience. Once packed up, a wet tent will also weigh more.

Preventing tent condensation completely isn’t really possible, but there are a number of things we can do to significantly reduce it. Here are our tips:

Choosing location

Environmental humidity is one of the biggest contributors to the condensation on the inside of your tent. Here are some things to avoid when selecting where to pitch your tent:

Avoid camping next to a river, stream, lake or pond.

Avoid camping on marshy wet ground.

Avoid camping in low points and gullies as cool air will pool there

Try to camp on higher ground. Camping under trees can lead to less humidity. Grass will collect dew, so setting up camp on dry earth is preferable. Consider how much sunlight your location will get in the evening or morning, as it will help dry the tent out.

Wet gear

The water on any wet items will evaporate onto the walls of your tent. If possible dry off your gear. If not storing any wet gear outside your tent in a dry-bag will go a long way.

Ventilation

If you can, leave your tent open. If insects are a problem you can leave the mesh closed. Orientate your tent so the prevailing breeze blows through it.

Steam

Cooking inside your tent will create steam as will bringing in hot food. Try to cook and eat by an opening or if possible outside.

Respiration and perspiration

The more people in one tent, the more vapor there will be from each person’s breath and sweat. Consider separate tents.

Desiccants and other items

Silica gel, charcoal and uncooked rice all soak up moisture. The impact of any of these on your tents condensation may be negligible. They are however useful for helping to dry wet gear, particularly when its all packed up. You can also purchase small battery powered dehumidifiers. Battery powered fans can also help produce air-flow.

Conclusion

Remember, condensation can’t be completely avoided. There are unpreventable factors like rain and climate that contribute to tent condensation, that we just have to deal with. Following the above steps should help you significantly, particularly location selection, removing wet gear and ventilation.

]]>LifeVenture’s Shampoo leaveshttp://travel-light.net/shampoo-leaves/
Sat, 17 Mar 2018 17:14:14 +0000http://travel-light.net/?p=109Hygiene has a significant effect on moral. It only takes a few days out camping and hiking before your hair becomes greasy and your trip starts to feel less and less enjoyable.

LifeVenture’s shampoo leaves are tiny dry sheets of shampoo that build up a lather once warm water is added. They come in a small plastic capsule that measures around 7cm long, 4.5cm wide and 1.5cm deep containing 50 biodegradable leaves. They are also airline carry-on compliant. They have a pleasant floral scent as well.

It’s the size and weight, or lack thereof that makes these preferable to alternatives like dry shampoo or conventional travel shampoo. Some of the reviews I read on amazon stated that the leaves didn’t produce an adequate lather to wash all their hair, meaning they had to use more leaves than they expected. This didn’t happen to me and I have quite long thick hair. I found that 2 leaves were enough so long as the water I added was warm and I worked up a lather using my hands. I’d also like to add that even if I had to use 10 leaves to wash my hair, that would still mean I could wash my hair 5 times using a full pack of 50.

LifeVenture also produce dry soap leaves and ‘fabric wash leaves’ in a similar package.

]]>Weighing your pack and gearhttp://travel-light.net/weighing-your-pack-and-gear/
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 21:50:09 +0000http://travel-light.net/?p=102Weighing your backpack is the first step to reducing its weight. The second step involves weighing each individual item filling it. That’s when you can start deciding what to take, leave or replace with a lighter product. Weighing items is also a good way to test whether a manufacturer has been honest about their products weight. Doing this requires some type of weighing scale.
Luggage scales

You probably own some bathroom scales. ‘Bathroom scales’ typically refers to scales you stand on to weigh yourself. When I tried to weigh my pack using digital bathroom scales, the scales failed to produce anything but the word ‘error’. Whether this is due to something I was doing wrong or the scales being faulty I don’t know. In order to weigh the pack I found myself standing on the scales and then subtracting my own weight from the total.

In my search to find a more convenient method, I found the most suitable devices for weighing a pack and gear seem to be luggage scales and certain digital table top scales. Luggage scales are used to weigh luggage before traveling to make sure it doesn’t exceed weight limits. They typically have a hook or strap beneath them that’s used to suspend the luggage from. This is a great way to weigh your pack, but it doesn’t allow you to weigh individual items of gear conveniently.

Digital scale

Digital table top scales are those with a plate on top, on which you place items to reveal their weight. While many of these might be referred to as ‘kitchen scales’, there are also brands that market themselves as ‘sports scales’. Digital table top scales offer precise accuracy, but some have maximum weight limits so make sure you check the limit is adequate for your intentions before purchasing one. The surface of these scales may seem small, but many of them feature a ‘tare weight’ setting. A ‘tare weight’ setting is a feature that allows you to place an item with a larger surface area on the scale (for example a tray) which can then have a larger item placed on top. The weight of the tray is then deducted using the tare feature. I find table top scales to be the best option as its possible to weigh both the entire pack and individual items with ease.

Here a some features to check when shopping for scales:

Maximum weight limit

Ability to convert between different units of measurement

Accuracy

Once you’ve got yourself a scale you can get started by finding your ‘base pack weight’. This is done by weighing your pack- minus any consumables, i.e food and drink. Make sure you include any containers you might use to store consumables such as flasks or lunchboxes. This is your base pack weight. Getting that weight as low as safely possible is your next objective. Weighing each item individually will reveal the main contributors to the bulk of your pack, and make you question whats necessary. Do the same with your consumables.

Disclaimer: There are wild plants and fungi in the UK that are poisonous. Do not eat any wild edible that has not been positively identified. All edible mushrooms must be cooked. Do not use this site as your only source of information. Check the law before picking any wild plant. Nothing on this site is meant to encourage you to break any laws.

Jack by the hedgeAlliaria petiolata

Photo by O. Pichard

Jack-by-the-hedge is a common annual or biennial. Its name is indicative of its tendency to grow along hedge banks. Its taste and smell bears resemblance to garlic, earning it the alternative name ‘garlic mustard’. Evidence suggests it was used as a spice as far back as 4100 B.C.E. making it one of the oldest known spices to have been used in Europe.

Where to find it:

Hedge banks

Waysides

Woodland

Appearance:

Small white flowers

Light green leaves

Up to 70cm tall

To eat:

Chopped up leaves can be added to salads and sauces. As a sauce it can be used to accompany meat or fish.

Stinging nettleUrtica dioica

by Uwe H. Friese, Bremerhaven 2003

Stinging nettles have historically been used as food, medicine and used to make fibre. Its high in protein and iron and its taste is similar to spinach. ‘Urtica’ is derived from the Latin word for sting, whilst ‘Dioica’ is derived from Greek, meaning ‘of two homes’.

Where to find it:

Hedge banks

Field edges

Woodland

Wasteland

Appearance:

Heart shaped leaves

Covered in stinging hairs

To eat:

During and after its flowering stage, nettles can form crystalline particles called cystoliths. These cystoliths can taste bitter, and can also irritate the urinary tract. For this reason it’s best to harvest nettles when young, particularly during late February to early June. Nettles can be wilted over a fire and consumed like marshmallows. They can be added to soups or its leaves can be dried and strained to make tea.

Velvet ShankFlammulina velutipes

Photo by Archenzo

Unlike many other mushrooms, Velvet shank is one of the few mushrooms that survive through the winter, making it hard to miss-identify. ‘Flammulina velutipes’ translates roughly to ‘little flame with velvet legs’. Velvet shank is said to have anti-cancer properties.

Where to find it:

Standing dead trees, particularly Beech, Ash, Oak and Elm

Rotting wood

Appearance:

Bright orange caps

Up to 10cm across

Velvety stem

To eat:

Remove the skin from the cap as it is difficult to digest. Stems are generally considered too tough to eat. Always cook the mushroom. Can be used in soups and stews.

]]>Daft Logic’s distance calculatorhttp://travel-light.net/distance-calculator/
Sat, 03 Mar 2018 11:05:17 +0000http://travel-light.net/?p=70When planning a trip, it’s always vital to measure the distance of the route you intend to travel. Measuring distance helps you to make decisions about when to stop and allows you to estimate the time it will take to complete a trip and reach any checkpoints. The methods for doing this manually typically involve measuring your route on a paper map using the scales on a compass. This can be difficult if the route involves lots of twists, turns and curved lines. The remedy for this requires a piece of string to be placed along the route, which can then be straightened out and measured. As you can imagine this is quite an awkward method, as well as rather inaccurate. A variety of digital tools have been created to measure distance, but the one that stands out is Daft Logic’s Distance calculator.

Daft Logic’s Distance calculator tool uses google maps, giving you access to satellite images that are ideal for those of us looking to go off the beaten path. To use it, all you have to do is find your intended starting location, which can be done by entering an address or co-ordinates into the search bar, or navigating there yourself by scrolling and zooming in in the same way that you would using other satellite maps. Once you’ve located it, clicking on the map will place a marker. Placing a second marker results in the distance between both points being displayed below the map. Keep placing consecutive markers and the total distance will be displayed. This distance can be converted between miles, kilometers, nautical miles, meters, feet, and yards. If you place a marker in the wrong place, you can remove your previous marker by selecting ‘clear last point’. Once you’re done you can also select ‘clear map’ to clear all your markers and plan other routes. You can also generate a link for a route you’ve placed, in other words, you can share your route with others via social media or email. This is particularly useful if you’re planning a trip with others. Saving and loading routes is also possible after making an account in the advanced version.

The Distance calculators features

Alternative distance calculators exist and many of them work in a similar way, however a lot of these seem to limit the placement of markers to roads. Daft Logic’s Distance calculator is also free unlike some similar tools. It has had continued development and updates since its release in 2008, so it’s always improving. The drawbacks are that it can’t guarantee complete accuracy, but in my experience it hasn’t let me down. You also won’t be able to make adjustments while in the field like you can with a map or the appropriate hardware.

Whether its planning a day hike, multi day trip or just going out for a run, Daft Logic’s Distance calculator proves an invaluable tool. There’s also a host of other interesting web tools available on Daft Logic listed under ‘projects’.

If you found this article interesting why not take a look at our other articles on web tools relevant to the world of camping, hiking, ultra light and light weight backpacking.